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| From | Mike Bennett <mrhonorama@hotmail.com> |
| Subject | Re: New Beach Boys |
| Date | Thu, 7 Jun 2012 21:00:24 -0500 |
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I think the reviews to this record have been pretty kind. The title cut is a good song, and the song after it is alright, but after that, the album is full of sluggish, awkward songs that are either mediocre or border on unlistenable. The deficiency of most of the album is highlighted by the three song suite that ends the record, which makes one wonder what could have been. These last three songs are stronger melodically and actually resonate and bring back memories of some of Brian's material.
I'm totally unclear why uber-hack Joe Thomas was tapped to work on this record as this has all the hallmarks of what made Imagination such a lackluster affair, from the thin songs premised on one idea at best, to thin production that is antithetical to everything that characterized the best work of Brian and the Boys. Back in the day, Brian tried to create a wall of sounds, with Thomas around, it's more like a shower curtain or scrim of sound. When you think of the drive and verve that Brian's band plays with in a live setting, the feeble sounds on this record are all the more disappointing.
Thankfully, the live show was quite good. But this album is a real shame.
Mike Bennett
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